Libya Rebels Tap Army Defectors

BENGHAZI, Libya—Defected Libyan military commanders and their units are taking the lead in the fight against forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, in a rebel bid to stanch setbacks on the front lines and facilitate greater cooperation with coalition forces.

But as the army has stepped up its role, a leadership squabble has emerged among two rebel commanders. That could pose an early test to the strength of the civilian...